Evelyn was sitting on the patio, the swelling on her face finally gone, her smile genuine and warm for the first time in months. She was laughing as Eleanor set a pitcher of fresh lemonade on the table.
Julian walked out onto the porch, holding two cups of coffee, and sat down beside his family.
Evelyn reached over, taking her father’s hand into hers. “Thanks, Dad.”
Julian squeezed her hand gently, offering a quiet, warm smile.
The gray beard and flannel shirt were back, but under the peaceful afternoon sun, there was no doubt left in anyone’s mind: some men spend their lives looking for a fight, but a real father will dismantle an entire world to keep his family safe.
EPILOGUE
The afternoon sun fell warm and clear across the stone patio of the Vance home. A light autumn breeze rustled through the oak trees, scattering golden leaves across the lawn. High above the yard, a pair of red-tailed hawks circled on the thermal currents, their faint calls drifting down through the quiet air.
